Green Birding Southwest Volusia County, March 2017

For March 2017 I recorded 84 species over 28 checklists for my Green Birding List. Last time I kept a Green List for March was in 2015, when I recorded 97 species (whoa).

Here are some photo highlights…

Gray Catbird at Audubon Park, 01 March 2017

Northern Mockingbird at Audubon Park, 01 March 2017

Sandhill Cranes at Audubon Park, 01 March 2017

Yellow-rumped Warbler at Gemini Springs, 07 March 2017

Barred Owl at Gemini Springs, 11 March 2017

On March 11 I had a long outing at Gemini Springs. I watched this deer for a while and snapped some photos when she seemed to be a bit relaxed. After she bounded off I waited for a few moments to see if she had any companions. When I finally started walking again another deer came bounding out and followed her off the path. He had a small rack. Later, as I passed the area where they had crossed, I looked over to see if I could spot them in the woods. The female was nuzzling the male and it was a very sweet scene. Aww.

White-tailed Deer at Gemini Springs, 11 March 2017

Several times during the month I headed to Gemini Springs in the evening to try to find a better bird for Bird-a-Day (meaning something I can’t expect to find in the backyard). On March 14th I had a quick spin around the park (and used Sora for my B-a-D) and was delighted to find an otter frolicking around the bayou. I’ve only seen an otter at the park one other time.

North American River Otter at Gemini Springs, 14 March 2017

American Alligator at Gemini Springs, 15 March 2017

On March 24th I took the long bike trek out to the pedestrian bridge over 415 in Osteen over the St. Johns to look for Eastern Meadowlarks and Purple Gallinule. I found several singing meadowlarks and three gallinules. I also got my FOY BIGBY Barn Swallows.